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Big Flat Habitat

Snake River Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
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Big Flat Habitat

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Big Flat Habitat

On October 15th, 1805, Sgt. Patrick Gass wrote of this stretch of the Snake River: "This river in general is very handsome, except at the rapids, where it is risking both life and property to pass; and even these rapids, when the bare view or prospect is considered distinct from the advantages of navigation, may add to its beauty, by interposing variety and scenes of romantick grandeur where there is so much uniformity in the appearance of the country"

The character of the river has changed greatly since the sights of the corps of discovery. The numerous rapids described in detail by the party have all been submerged since the taming of the watershed by dams. 

Source:Lewis-clark.org/article/18051015



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Trail Guide & Points of Interest

Discovery of White-Topped Aster
When Lewis and Clark recorded this plant, few plants were still in flower after crossing the Bitteroots.
Campsite of October 15, 1805
<div>Scholar Robert Bergantino places the campsite for the Corps of Discovery for October 10th, 1805 at this site. <br></div><div>Captain Lewis writes that it was "a fair morning ... [He]&nbsp; sent out hunters to
hunt in the plains, about 10 oClock they returned and informed that they
could not See any Signs of game of any kind", and he "walked on the plains and informs that he could plainly See a rainge of mountains"&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Southeast,&nbsp;which are&nbsp;the&nbsp;Blue&nbsp;mountains&nbsp;of Oregon.&nbsp; </div><br><br>
Discovery of Cous Plant
Noted at the mouth of the Walla Walla River, the roots were gathered in early spring, pounded into cakes, then sun-dried. Cous was a staple meal of tribes on the Columbia Plateau.